Abstract: A gaming machine includes a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of reel positions to generate a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a display including a defined plurality of positions to present a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a processor programmed to generate a spin of the plurality of reels. The spin results in a play area including one or more symbols generated from each of the plurality of reels. The processor is also programmed to identify a first unfolding symbol in a first position on the play area, determine a second position on the play area adjacent to the first position, and display a second unfolding symbol in the second position on based at least in part on the determining, thereby unfolding the first unfolding symbol.

Abstract: Servers and method for use in creating a random reward are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving a request for a random reward from an organizer, establishing a random reward in response to the request, transmitting a credential associated with the random reward to a player, and crediting gaming activity associated with the credential to the random reward. Access to the random reward is limited to players presenting the credential.

Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a game controller to select symbols from the memory, cause the display to display the selected symbols at the display positions, determine if the displayed symbols include a predetermined symbol, and if the predetermined symbol lands on the pay line, in response to the predetermined symbol landing on the pay line, 1) cause the display to animate the first plurality of anticipation states on the pay line, and 2) randomly determine whether to transition the predetermined symbol to the second plurality of free spin states, in response to determining the predetermined symbol transitioning to the second plurality of free spin states, cause the display to animate the second plurality of free spin states on the pay line.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a frame, a gaming machine coupled to the frame, and an interactive device extending about at least a portion of a periphery of the frame. The gaming machine includes a presentation device configured to present a message associated with an interaction of a player with the gaming system. The interactive device is configured to detect the interaction of the player with the interactive device, and present feedback to the player based on the detection of the interaction of the player with the interactive device.

Abstract: A system includes a display device including a display surface configured to display a graphic and including an opening. The system also includes a peripheral device mounted within the opening of the display surface, and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in a memory device, which when executed, cause the processor to at least: display the graphic on the display surface of the display device adjacent to the peripheral device, whereby the graphic is displayed at least partially in association with the peripheral device.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a plurality of game machines and a game server. The game server is programmed to associate each bingo card of a plurality of bingo cards to a game presentation object. The game server is also programmed to transmit, to at least two of a plurality of game machines, the game presentation objects. The game server is programmed to receive, from each of the at least two game machines, a selection of a game presentation object. The game server is programmed to evaluate each bingo card associated with a selected game presentation object against a ball call to determine at least one bingo card having a winning pattern. The game server is programmed to determine results for a competitive wagering game, and transmit the results to each of the at least two game machines.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a display transition system comprising a guide rail coupled to the cabinet and a slider coupled to the display, the slider slideable within the guide rail to move the display.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a frame, a gaming machine coupled to the frame, and an interactive device extending about at least a portion of a periphery of the frame. The gaming machine includes a presentation device configured to present a message associated with an interaction of a player with the gaming system. The interactive device is configured to detect the interaction of the player with the interactive device, and present feedback to the player based on the detection of the interaction of the player with the interactive device.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a frame, a gaming machine coupled to the frame, and an interactive device extending about at least a portion of a periphery of the frame. The gaming machine includes a presentation device configured to present a message associated with an interaction of a player with the gaming system. The interactive device is configured to detect the interaction of the player with the interactive device, and present feedback to the player based on the detection of the interaction of the player with the interactive device.

Abstract: A gaming machine receives a first play input at a first gaming machine, determines a first quantity of play areas based on a first wager, generates at least one first play area based on the determined first quantity, and determines whether the at least one first play area satisfies a predetermined first threshold. At least a portion of the first wager associated with the first play input is allocated to a progressive jackpot. At least a first portion of the progressive jackpot is allocated to the first gaming machine when the at least one first play area satisfies the predetermined first threshold.

Abstract: A wireless charging apparatus for use with an electronic gaming machine includes a button deck having a touchscreen video display, where the touchscreen video display is configured to display a touchscreen button at a first location. The wireless charging apparatus also includes a wireless charging device mounted within the button deck below the first location. The wireless charging device is configured to wirelessly charge a mobile communications device when the mobile communications device is positioned over the first location.

Abstract: A server system includes a processor configured to receive a first signal from a communication device in response to the communication device entering one of an immediate zone, a near zone, or a far zone. The immediate zone defined around a first beacon, the near zone defined around the immediate zone, and the far zone defined around the near zone. The processor may be configured to determine a first zone associated with the communication device, such as one of the immediate zone, the near zone, or the far zone. The processor may be configured to determine a first state of the communication device based on a movement of the communication device relative to the first beacon, such as one of an incoming state, an outgoing state, or an idle state. The processor may transmit a message to the communication device based on the first zone and the first state.

Abstract: A gaming machine including a display that has a first display area and a second display area. The first display area displays a first prize and a second prize. The first prize has a first prize threshold and the second prize has a second prize threshold. The second display area displays an overflow prize, while the game controller contributes to the first prize at least a portion of the credit balance with respect to a wagering activity, and causes the display to display an increment of the overflow prize in response to the first prize having reached the first threshold. A payout mechanism configured to, in response to determining one of the first prize and the second prize is to be awarded, cause a payout associated with the one of the first prize and the second prize to be awarded and the incremented overflow prize.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes an input device and a processor coupled to the input device. The input device is configured to receive a game play event from a player. The processor is programmed to determine whether a jackpot trigger condition is satisfied based at least in part on the game play event. The jackpot trigger condition includes a target quantity of games played, a target set of game tokens, a target pattern of game symbols, and/or a target pattern of game play outcomes. The processor is further programmed to award a jackpot credit to one or more players when the jackpot trigger condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a base, a columnar pedestal extending vertically from the base, and a button deck adjustably coupled to the pedestal. The button deck includes an upper surface including a transparent touchscreen element, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a button deck body extending therebetween. At least one of the lower surface and the body include one or more transparent display elements, the one or more transparent display elements are configured to generate images of gaming machine control actuators viewable on the upper surface. The transparent touchscreen element is configured to receive touches and gestures indicating control inputs. The gaming machine also includes a player tracking card reader positioned within the button deck and accessible through a slot in a front edge of the button deck, the player tracking card reader communicatively coupled to a player tracking display area of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming machine for providing a game of chance operable upon a wager by a player includes a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of reel positions to generate a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a display comprising a defined plurality of positions to present a symbol thereon for each of the plurality of reels. The gaming machine further includes a processor programmed to generate a spin of the plurality of reels, resulting in a play area. The processor is also programmed to identify a splitting symbol in a first position on the play area, thereby activating the splitting symbol. The processor is further programmed to determine a second position on the play area that includes a splitting symbol as a result of the spin, and to display an additional splitting symbol in the second position.

Abstract: A cryptographic key is associated with an identifier (ID) of an electronic gaming machine (EGM). A computing device receives a coupon redemption request including an electronic payment coupon having the EGM ID and a credit amount. The computing device authenticates the electronic payment coupon based at least in part on the cryptographic key associated with the EGM ID and transmits a redemption confirmation when the electronic payment coupon is successfully authenticated. The computing device also stores a cancellation associated with the electronic payment coupon. The cancellation indicates that the electronic payment coupon has been redeemed for the credit amount. Such an electronic payment coupon may, for example, be generated by an EGM and/or be redeemed using an EGM and/or any other computing device capable of receiving the electronic payment coupon, transmitting a redemption request, and providing the credit amount to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in providing a random reward associated with at least one game are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, by a gaming server, data representative of gaming activity of a player of the at least one game, providing, by the gaming server, a code associated with the random reward, wherein the code is representative of an entry to win the random reward, receiving, by the gaming server, data representative of a text message including the code, determining whether the player won the random reward based on the received code, and providing a notification indicating whether the player won the random reward.